I’ve long argued that bullying is rife in many organisations and that workers (and injured workers) are routinely exposed to hostile an demeaning treatment. What follows is a prime example of WorkCover’s gross failures and the consequences.
In the previous post on this site and IWSN titled ‘Intimidation and fear: welcome to agency charged with stamping out bullying‘ I raised concerns about target of bullying and WorkCover’s dubious culture. I received an interesting but distressing response from Daniel. He states:
I certainly believe this.
I made a Workcover complaint in 2011 against another government department and its security contractor. The inspector became angry at me when I wanted to stay anonymous because I was scared of losing my job.
When I relented and provided my details the inspector turned up to my work unannounced with the boss of the government department and the manager of my division whom I personally knew and who had stalked me on a forum trying to find out who I was who was “causing trouble”. They both stood there and watched him interview me and I was told by a supervisor the contract manager had told him “they had nothing to say while I was there”.
When I complained the Workcover inspector told me they were there for “natural justice” reasons and later when I complained to Workcover they told me it had been for “safety reasons”.
Six months after my complaint I was injured (fractures in my feet, arthritis and tendon damage), i’m only young, that aren’t healing, I don’t have a job, I get about 30k in payments per year, I had a 70k job, can’t sue anyone, am suffering from depression and I sometimes have flitting thoughts of suicide
What rights and protections workers and injured workers have especially where bullying is involved? None, it would seem.
Shortlink: http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/?p=10256
Keep your chin up,I know its difficult at times and easy for people to say stay positive but lets face it, it could be worse..I too have a work related injury and have had a substantial pay cut now and no job for 4 years,I too have the same depressive state and thoughts but now make a point of staying positive for myself and my family,plus I go out of my way to inform anyone who will listen about the downside of workers comp and help where I can to provide information,advice and even just to listen and let a fellow injured worker vent..I find discussions with other injured persons comforting as it re assures my that I am not the only one having issue with home,work,life,pain,depression etc…So please keep your chin up and try and stay positive,something good will come of it eventually and when it does,grab it with both hands and run with it..
What a truly warm and empathic statement to make Adam. I am in contact with Daniel and have alerted him to this post. We need people like yourself to speak out and offer their advice, wisdom and kind support.
Thanks
John Mc
Just a note to let you know that Daniel is also on our Forum (under a nickname) (www.aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/forum) Whilst he is having a real hard time, Daniel has also been able to empower other injured workers, through his story and by sharing his ordeal and experiences. It does show that seeking support on a forum does work in two ways, it helps the injured person, but it also helps fellow injured people. Thank you Daniel for showing courage and for reaching out.
Dear Adam, Erin Brockovich would have called you a “Warrior”!
Dear Adam,
I feel for you as I understand what it’s like to be on Workcover, very different to what the general public think and know about Workcover.
It’s hard! I have been on Workcover for over 10 years now and can only work for a couple of hours a week with limitations on top of that so as a result can’t find work. I have felt exactly like you and have tried to commit suicide more than 3 times now, let me tell you I’m glad I did not succeed because I feel very different now to how I was and feel ashamed of myself every time I look at my family. I cant imagine not being around them now. If you can go seek help and talk with a professional, they can help you see things from a different perspective. What has happened with the reform sucks! I don’t know what people are going to do, and it’s a terrible feeling when you can’t do anything about it. I wish the general public knew what it was really like living on work cover then there would have been more of a up roar about the changes. Take care of yourself mate, you are not alone in this battle.
Could someone tell me if you have been on Workcover for 11years does that mean I will be cut off straight away or will I have another 5 years to go? I am under the 30% impairment cut off. I’m very confused about how I will be affected, so if some one could help I would really appreciate it. Cheers
Hi Sam
That is what is under dispute – O’Farrell said the laws aren’t retrospective whilst Pearce says they are. Its messy and nobody can say one way or another who and how these laws will impact people already in the system for extended periods.
I am more than sure that these laws are going to be subjected to legal challenges – so please, don’t dwell too much on negative expectations – easier said than done, I know.
Hi Sam, at this stage we (aworkcovervictimsdiary) are ourselves very confused and still trying to make sense of the nazi bill. http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/131a07fa4b8a041cca256e610012de17/5d4f0aa2626487d8ca257a22001b5a55?OpenDocument
We are planning of setting up a dedicated “page”on our site for the new NSW “changes” very shortly.
Reforming compo
FEW could seriously deny that the NSW workers compensation scheme needs an overhaul. The scheme is riddled with inefficiency and rorts and unless it is reformed its financial losses will become unsustainable.
But the state government needs to do a better job of devising, explaining and selling proposed reforms to the public.
Ultimately, what everybody should want is a scheme that provides fair compensation to people who are injured at work while at the same time encouraging their rehabilitation and recovery. An effective scheme should also minimise unnecessary or excessive leakage of funds to doctors and lawyers and prevent unreasonable rake-offs by insurers.
If the government thinks its latest reforms will achieve these goals without unfairly penalising bona fide claimants, it should take the trouble to explain the details to the electorate.
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/politics-over-human-life/2600943.aspx?storypage=2